If you are a commercial driver, you will be required to take a DOT physical. This physical examination ensures you are healthy and fit to drive. Vision and hearing are two major components of this test. Failing to meet these requirements may prevent you from obtaining or keeping your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Now, let’s look at the requirements of vision and hearing, and why they are important for a DOT physical.
What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a health examination mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). It is designed for commercial drivers. The aim is to ensure that a driver is in shape, both physically and mentally, to maneuver a massive vehicle.
This test involves examining:
- Blood pressure
- Vision
- Hearing
- Urine (for signs of illness)
- Medical history
The test is conducted by a DOT-certified medical examiner. If you make it, you receive a medical certificate that lasts up to 2 years.
Why Vision and Hearing Matter
Active and passive healthy vision and hearing are important to the safety of drivers. As a truck or bus driver, you need to be able to see road signs, read traffic signals, and hear emergency sirens. Very bad vision or hearing could be a hazard.
That’s why DOT has strict rules for both.
Vision Specifications for the DOT Physique Test
Here’s what the DOT examines when it comes to your vision:
Visual Acuity
You need to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. This allows you to read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read clearly at 40 feet.
If you require glasses or contacts to obtain this vision, you are to wear them while driving.
Field of Vision
You should have a field of vision of no less than 70 degrees in each eye. This tests your peripheral vision, or how well you see from side to side.
Color Vision
Traffic lights tend to have three colors that you’re probably passionate about: Red, green, and yellow. You don’t have to have perfect color vision, but you do need to be able to see these colors.
What if Your Vision Is Impaired?
You may apply for a vision exemption if you don’t meet the vision standards above. That is, the D.O.T. can allow you to drive, but only under certain circumstances, and with more paperwork and approval.
- What are the hearing requirements for a DOT physical
- You also must pass the exam according to certain hearing standards.
Whisper Test
The examiner stands at least five feet away and whispers a series of words or numbers. You have to be able to hear them and to repeat them properly in at least one ear.
That’s the forced whisper test, and it’s an easy but accurate method to assess hearing.
Hearing Test With Audiometer
If you flunk the whisper test, you may want to take an audiometric test. This is the degree of hearing loss, which is measured in decibels.
To be approved, your hearing loss must not exceed 40 decibels in your better ear, using a frequency average at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
But What If You Wear a Hearing Aid?
If you use a hearing aid and you meet the hearing standard, there are still tests you must pass for the DOT physical In las vegas. In this case, you must:
- Have the hearing aid when you come for your examination
- Prove that you can pass the hearing test wearing it
- Bring evidence that your hearing aid is functioning and has been approved
Preparation for Your DOT Physical: 20 Tips
If you’re anxious about vision or hearing, it’s also a good idea to prepare in advance. Here are some tips:
- You can see your eye doctor and get an updated prescription if necessary
- Take your glasses, contacts or hearing aids to the exam
- And be mindful of loud sounds prior to the test to protect your hearing.
- Get plenty of sleep on the eve of.
It is in your best interest to have your DOT physical performed in a reputable clinic. If you are seeking a dot physical Las Vegas NV has many certified providers who can help you fulfill the requirements with care and professionalism.
Where to Get a DOT Physical
Not every clinic has the accreditation to perform DOT exams, so make sure your find one that has trained medical examiners. If you live in (or are visiting) Nevada, making an appointment for a dot physical exam Las Vegas couldn’t be easier, with same day appointments available at many local clinics.
Final Thoughts
In a DOT physical the vision and hearing checks are very important. They keep you safe and keep others safe. 2976 MEETING THE STANDARDS means that you can perform basic maneuvers such as stopping, turning, accelerating, and reversing in response to signs, signals, and sounds.
If you are not eligible at first, that is OK. You still may qualify with corrections such as glasses, hearing aids or medical exemptions.
Maintaining the health and going the regular check-up will also make your DOT physical In Las vegas easier. So stay on the lookout, and on the pitch of your ears — and stay safe. To schedule your appointment with the highest standard of care and visit Sahara West Urgent Care, visit our website.
FAQs
Q1. What is a DOT physical?
A DOT physical is a medical exam required by the Department of Transportation to ensure commercial drivers are fit to operate large vehicles safely.
Q2. Who needs a DOT physical?
Any commercial driver who operates a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must pass a DOT physical.
Q3. What does the DOT physical include?
It includes checks for blood pressure, vision, hearing, urine analysis, and a review of your medical history.
Q4. What are the vision requirements for a DOT physical?
You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without corrective lenses) and at least a 70-degree field of vision in each eye.
Q5. Can I still pass the DOT physical if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Yes, as long as you meet the vision requirements while wearing them, you can pass.
